"While the products varied, Allstar's pitch often was the same — a 'buy-one-get-one-free' offer that did not disclose all the costs," the FTC said

Published Mar 16, 2018 at 3:22 PM

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Did you buy a Snuggie one night after watching a TV ad a few years ago, thinking you'd get a second one at no additional cost? If so you, you may be in luck! You might get a check in the mail — absolutely free!

The Federal Trade Commission this week sent out more than 200,000 refund checks to people who bought "as seen on TV" products like Snuggies and Magic Mesh Doors that were deceptively marketed as "buy one, get one free" between 2008 and 2015.

The checks, which average $33.14, are the result of a 2015 court-ordered settlement between Allstar Marketing Group and the FTC and New York's attorney general, according to the FTC. The regulators argued that the customers were promised a free extra product when they bought one, but had to pay high processing and handling fees. Some people also purchased extra items because of the confusing ordering process.

A judge ordered Allstar to stop the practice and pay $7.5 million to the FTC to be distributed to misled consumers.

Prosecutors unveiled the full statement in court on Thursday against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett, who is accused of fabricating a racist and homophobic attack against himself in a bid for publicity.

(Published Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019)

"While the products varied, Allstar's pitch often was the same — a 'buy-one-get-one-free' offer that did not disclose all the costs," the FTC said in a news release Monday.

Allstar said in a statement at that time of the settlement that it made changes to its business to make costs easier to understand.

"While we have always believed our processes complied with the law, we are proud to have successfully worked with the FTC and the NY AG to improve them and set new standards for transparency," said Jennifer De Marco, general counsel at Allstar.